Niue Christmas 2017

Issue information

Just like New Zealand, Niue celebrates Christmas under a bright summer sun. Not a snowflake to be seen on this sunny tropical island as the villagers and their families gather together to share food and gifts on Christmas day. The main time of celebration in Niue actually comes the week after Christmas. Known as Takai, this is a week of prayer, sporting competitions, dancing and church services. Locals will do up cars in bright colours and drive around the island and hand out sweets to children.

Each stamp has been beautifully illustrated by New Zealand Post designer, Saint Andrew Matautia. The theme is a twist on the traditional Christmas wreath, incorporating tropical flowers, common to the Island.

Individual Stamps

30c Frangipani

The frangipani is a hardy plant that thrives in tropical climates. The most common colouration for this fragrant plant is white with a bright yellow centre. The closer you get to the equator the brighter the colouration, with flowers becoming, bright orange, pink and crimson.

$1.40 Guava flower

Guava trees are a common sight on most tropical islands, their fruit can be eaten raw and is often popular for making drinks, jams and preserves. The flowers of these tasty fruits are usually white or purple in colouration, with five petals and multiple stamen.

$2.00 Hibiscus

The colourful hibiscus is a well-recognised symbol for tropical islands worldwide. The bright flowers are often worn in people’s hair, as a necklace or as decorations. This hardy and adaptable plant is able to grow almost anywhere that has a temperate climate.

$4.00 Papaya flower

Papaya is a popular fruit used in many Niuean dishes such as salads and desserts. Papaya is used in the traditional Niuean dish tahiki, it’s made by layering papaya and taro with coconut cream and cooking it. Papaya flowers are very fragrant and differ only slightly in colour from a creamy yellow to a pale orange.

Technical information

Date of issue:

6 December 2017

Number of stamps:

Four gummed stamps

Denominations:

$0.30, $1.40, $2.00, $4.00

Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by:

Saint Andrew Matautia, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand

Printer and process:

Collectables and Solutions Centre, New Zealand Post, Whanganui, New Zealand

Number of colours:

Four process colours

Stamp size and format:

30mm x 40mm (horizontal)

Paper type:

Tullis russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper

Number of stamps per sheet:

16

Perforation gauge:

13.33

Period of sale:

Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 5 December 2018.